Before the Nintendo Switch 2 was officially announced, many fans were already writing game prediction lists. You’ve got your obvious sequel choices for big names like theMarioandLegend of Zeldaseries. Then, there’s Nintendo’s more niche collection, featuring titles that only garnered a small but dedicated audience.
With the highly anticipated release of the platform on the horizon, we have ample time to speculate and build our excitement until thenext Nintendo Direct. So, while we’re eagerly waiting, here are our picks for the games we hope to see on Nintendo Switch 2 launch day.
Super Mario Odyssey 2
It’s been a while since we got our lastMario3D-based game, withSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furylaunching back in 2021.Although there are many ways Nintendo could go about the next 3D entry, I’m puttingSuper Mario Odyssey 2at the top of the list. This title is known to be one of the best NS games, pushing the franchise’s fun factor to the limit.
Just imagine the possibilities of aSuper Mario Odysseysequel on the Nintendo Switch 2. With the sheer size of this platform, we can expect everything to be bigger and better, with new wondrous worlds waiting to be explored across its many kingdoms.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
After a year without newPokémongames, 2025 is set to be a significant year for allPokémonfans. The much-awaitedPokémon Legends: Z-Ais on its way, promising to transport us to the vibrant Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
Following the 2024 Pokémon Presents, news aboutZ-Ahas been relatively quiet, with a few rumors here and there regarding gameplay. Having aPokémontitle upon the Switch 2’s launch would certainly be monumental, especially since the series is one of the biggest communities in the gaming world.
New Legend of Zelda game
I know it’s wishful thinking that we would get a newLegend of Zeldagame on Switch 2’s launch day, but I just had to put it on this list. While I was a little late to the party, only playing the games in recent years, I’ve gotten invested in this series to the point where I’m watching deep-dive lore videos on YouTube.
A newLegend of Zeldafor the Nintendo Switch 2 could keep me on this track, along with the rest of the community. Or, at the very least, it could be a remaster ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom. A re-release of these two hit games would work great for Switch 2’s modernized graphics, making Hyrule even more breathtaking than it already is.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Similar toPokémon Legends: Z-A,Metroid Prime 4: Beyondwill be coming out in 2025. So, that begs the question: Will it be released for Nintendo Switch 1 or 2? It may steer more towards the latter, given that the store seemingly only mentions Nintendo Switch, but the former could be in the cards.
The Nintendo Switch 2 does havebackward compatibility, after all, as long as this title is supported. That means you’ll likely be able to play asMetroid’sfamous bounty hunter, Samus Aran, whether on the Nintendo Switch 1 or 2.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
WhileMetal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eaterwas meant for 2024, we’ll need to keep waiting deeper into the new year. Rumors suggest that this remake of the 2004 PS2 classic may arrive for the Nintendo Switch 2, allowing you to take this new modernized version with you on the go.
It wouldn’t be the first time Operation Snake Eater was on a Nintendo platform, with the likes ofMGSMaster Collection andSnake Eater 3Dfor the 3DS. As a massiveMetal Gear Solidfan, I’d love to see the newest iteration be a part of the Switch 2, just so more people can experience one of the best games I’ve ever played.
Splatoon 4
Almost a decade ago, the firstSplatoonmade it to the Nintendo collection, marking its splashy debut in the third-person shooter genre. The most recent entry,Splatoon 3, kept the hype going with its consistent updates for the past two years. However, the good times had to stop eventually, as updates were ceased by Sept. 2024.
Now that the fun-filled adventures ofSplatoon 3have relatively come to an end, the Nintendo Switch 2 launch day would be the perfect time for aSplatoon 4reveal. Maybe then, we could finally get a multiplayer split-screen feature for a little couch co-op action.
New Animal Crossing game
WhenAnimal Crossing: New Horizonscame out, it took the world by storm, bringing together both new and returning players alike. I still go back to it to this day (I’m sorry to all my villagers that I’ve neglected), but I wish there was a bit more content added, like what was done with theHappy Home ParadiseDLC.
Based on the releases of pastAnimal Crossingtitles, Nintendo Switch 2’s 2025 launch is around the right time for a newACgame. There’s typically a few-year gap between each title, apart from the substantial seven-year gap with the most recent entry. I hope it’s not as long as the last time around, but even if it takes a while, I’m sure it’ll all be worth the wait.
Tomodachi Life 2
Compared to a potential newZeldagame for Switch 2’s launch day, a sequel forTomodachi Lifemay be the most far-fetched idea yet. The first one was released over a decade ago, and it doesn’t have as much of an audience as the ones in the big leagues. Still, there is a devoted fanbase that’s been hoping forTomodachi Life 2, creating a virtual world of your friends and family Mii-style.
Even if a sequel seems like a stretch, it’s not entirely impossible for Nintendo Switch 2’s Day One debut. The NS did get a similar take on it withMiitopia, allowing you to send out Mii-mified versions of your loved ones on a grand adventure.Tomodachi LifeandMiitopiawould be superb foundations for theTLsequel if Nintendo ever goes through with it.
New Call of Duty game
Given thatCall of Dutyhas been attached to consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, you wouldn’t really expect one of these titles on Nintendo. However, according toCharlieIntel, there are talks about the nextCoDentry to arrive on the Nintendo Switch. It isn’t exactly clear whatCall of Dutywould be coming, but some say it could be a sequel toBlack Ops 2’sstoryline.
As a fan who has spent countless hours onCoD, I would love to experience it on the go with the Nintendo Switch 2. The last time we saw aCall of Dutytitle on a Nintendo platform was in 2007 withCoD 4: Modern Warfareon the Nintendo DS. I’m eager to see how it will fare in the new era of Nintendo and if the system can finally handle its intricate mechanics.
Luigi’s Mansion 4
Mario always gets the spotlight for Nintendo games as the frontman for most of the franchise. Albeit, it is theMario series,so it totally makes sense that he gets so much love. But, every now and then, we’re blessed withLuigi’s Mansion,the ghost-hunting series of the franchise’s beloved sidekick.
Luigi’s Mansionoffers a unique view of theMariofranchise, separating from the usual platformer or party games. Sometimes, it’s nice to change things up, and it would make for a great start to Nintendo Switch 2’s launch.
